McCartney finish that inspired thousands. In the 30 years between my Ironman World Championship appearances, this race became an institution of our sport. Much has been written about Kona, but it is truly indescribable. Our friends at the World Triathlon Corporation understand. This event is why bucket lists are created. I went straight from the heat and wind of Hawaii to the beauty and 59-degree water of New Zealand for the ITU Grand Final and Age Group World Championships. While I “jumped” into the sprint race, we had two podiums and four top-10 finishes in the elite, junior and U23 races, trailing only Great Britain; 33 podiums in the age-group races and 13 paratriathlon medals (36 percent). Racing in New Zealand is also bucket-list worthy. There, triathlon is part of life; all school kids are required to finish one. To complete my month-long tri-odyssey, I traveled straight from New Zealand to San Diego for the USA Triathlon Art & Science International Coaching Symposium. With 234 attendees, the conference boasted arguably the most intellectual horsepower of any triathlon event ever assembled. •
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On another important note, the USA Triathlon Strategic Planning Committee finished revamping the Strategic Plan. The previous plan was implemented in 2008 and intended to provide a five-year guide for USAT through 2013. Since then, the U.S. encountered an economic crisis, and global conflicts have diminished resources. Closer to home, fitness programs and “mud” runs are competing for the endurance dollar. Because of these factors, adult membership, which enjoyed several years of double-digit growth (percentage- wise), started to flatten. In short, what got us to our current state of success will not be what gets us to the next level. We have entered a period of maturation and must become more innovative, more sophisticated in our operations and more intimate with our membership, race directors and other key constituencies. As a result, we have initiated several programs designed to provide more value to these groups. These efforts are paying dividends as
20 USA TRIATHLON WINTER 2013
ri-tober” was a big month. I was fortunate to race in the mecca known as Kona. It was my second time; the first being in 1982, the same year as the epic Julie Moss/Kathleen
USA Triathlon CEO Rob Urbach (No. 1561) with fellow Team USA athletes at the ITU Age Group World Championships in October.
our metrics are beginning to show renewed growth. Beginning at the top, we needed to rethink our official vision of “engaging all Americans in the multisport lifestyle.” Trying to reach every single American is neither effective nor visionary. Accordingly, we revised our vision by helping to facilitate a better world for our communities than exists today. Perhaps this is too pedestrian for some, but if we were to achieve such a vision, we would be extraordinarily successful. The committee felt the current mission statement of enhancing the multisport experience was still valid. The 2013-16 USA Triathlon Strategic Plan can be found at www.usatriathlon.org/governance and serves to provide purpose and focus to the National Office staff and volunteer leadership. I want to thank Board President Bob Wendling, Vice President
Barry Siff, former Board members Chuck Graziano and Eric Averill, elite athletes Margie Shapiro and Ryan Bickerstaff, Pam Zawada and the U.S. Olympic Committee for their contributions to the plan. •
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Because engaging youth is a key objective and the focus of this issue, I want to highlight some relevant initiatives. We support approximately 25 Junior High Performance Teams that create development opportunities for teens with the goal of achieving success at the highest level of competition. We also run Select and Skills Camps across the country and support competitive regional, national and development youth and junior racing. (Visit www.usatriathlon.org/juniors to learn more.) And we have 10 Regional Athlete Development Coordinators who are charged with discovering and nurturing talent.
At the other end of the spectrum, we are increasing our support
of a youth aquathlon series called “Splash and Dash” from 30 events last year to 40 in 2013. The series has proven to be successful as a gateway to triathlon.
On this theme, it was remarkable to see the youthfulness represented on the podium at USA Triathlon Age Group Nationals in Burlington. I had to check numerous IDs because our members looked 20 years younger. It’s time to make your New Year’s resolution, and finalize your racing schedule. Happy New Year and stay healthy my friends!